Is It required for snorkleing to have a dive flag?

[MR PALM BEACH]

Someone told they got a fine of some sort for not having a dive flag snorkeling at the same spot I snorkel at. Let me just ad that where I go Is a life guarded area were no boats are allowed and on top of that Im talking about being In a depth of 8ft of water at high tide. My main concern Is It the law to have a dive flag while snorkeling anywhere?

Im just a snorkeler not a scuba diver:rollface:

 

[thor32766]

you are supposed to have dive flag with you while snorkeling. But most fish and wildlife people dont look twice if you in an area where boats arent even allowed. they werent at p-nut were they?

 

[MR PALM BEACH]

No I was right at Phile Foster park that faces Peanut Island. You know what It really wasnt a big concern Intil they started having the drinking Issues over on the Island so now you have PBSO all over the place making It real big deal on alot of things. But ya PBSO are all over the Island now. Every weekend I pull into the park and find It hard park because theres like 20 cruisers taking up all the spots.

 

[dent2011]

I live in Fort Lauderdale, and I would not ever ever ever snorkle without a dive flag, there are just to many boaters out there that arent paying attention. The cost of a dive flag is nothing compared to what your medical bills would be like if you got run over by some drunk boater... besides, all the good places to snorkle are outside of the "swimming zone."

 

[Ron Leversee]

I have never used a dive flag snorkeling, but I can see a great advantage in ones use!!! Dive flags don't guarantee your safety but at least there is some warning to the boaters that you are there....I do know that even diving there are a lot of boaters that don't pay much attention to the flag or even understand the law's concerning the distance they are to maintain from the flag...In spite of that I all ways use one!!!

 

[roblack]

I recommend you use caution when diving and snorkeling, and use a flag when diving Ft. Lauderdale. You are actually more at-risk snorkeling than diving b/c of being closer to the surface (from boats). Don't assume that all boaters will see you or are looking for snorkelers and divers. Also, I have often seen boaters zipping through clearly marked swimming areas, in Ft. Lauderdale and elsewhere. I know of people who have been injured and lost loved ones following best safety procedures, due to boaters being careless and not following the rules. Be safe, it is worth it.

 

[Sk8r]

As a boater, I can tell you it's a good idea. We lived on a small lake. Unfortunately many boaters on that lake had no idea what the flag was. I did, and made a mental note to watch it in that area of the lake.
Good thing. It's such a small lake many people get into bad habits: boats run by starlight alone...and in this case, I was going along at the sedate pace mandated near the shore when I heard a peculiar rhythmic sound. I throttled down, then killed the engine. Sure enough. Swimmer, deciding to swim to the island somewhere around ten pm, in total darkness. I could well have hit him. Same guy as the one with the dive flag, which he hadn't, of course, deployed after dark. He could have been mincemeat.

So yes. Flag. lighted flag, if you're doing something crazy. Or better yet---a tender on the surface.

 

[MR PALM BEACH]

Thanks all for your Input and advise, I think befor I go out again Im goign to pick up a flag. There so Inexpensive I dont know why I never picked one up In the first place. Sk8r thats too crazy for me swimming at night Inless its in a pool, when the sun isnt out Im out of the water. I freak out somtimes when the sun goes behine clouds I see the shadow come over me and I think Its somthing else on top of me LOL.

 

[GSMguy]

i would watch my back at peanut even with a dive flag so many drunk drivers and they might not see you jetskis too.

 

[MR PALM BEACH]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10922290#post10922290 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
i would watch my back at peanut even with a dive flag so many drunk drivers and they might not see you jetskis too.

I hear ya, I just stick to Phil Foster park across from the Island, personaly when your family Is going to the beach It becames a real project, like when you have dive bag In one hand, giant cooler in the other, and a 3 year old around your neck. I stick where the beach Is close to the car.

 

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10922647#post10922647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MR PALM BEACH
I hear ya, I just stick to Phil Foster park across from the Island, personaly when your family Is going to the beach It becames a real project, like when you have dive bag In one hand, giant cooler in the other, and a 3 year old around your neck. I stick where the beach Is close to the car.

thats why i enjoy flagpole or the north end.

Anyway as i sit here in ohio i really can not wait to move back.